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Absurdity of the day: $1.7 billion claim against wifi health damage

Barton, known amongst City Council regulars for her detailed reports during public comment periods, filed a claim against City Hall for that hefty sum alleging that new “smart” parking meters were impacting her health.

In the claim, Barton asserts that radiation from the wireless signals emanating from the meters, which is similar to Wi-Fi Internet or cellular waves, is causing ringing in her ears, ear infections and tightness on the back, left side of her neck.

Barton is concerned because there is some evidence, including a flag raised by the World Health Organization, that the low-level radiation may cause cancer and other illnesses in humans.

This claim is the only time that anyone has raised the issue about the meters, wrote Assistant Finance Director Don Patterson in an e-mail.

“The Wi-Fi is very low level and only communicates between the meter and the sensor, about 5 to 8 feet,” Patterson wrote.

Tip: Fark.com

You also should not be able to make claims this outrageous with no evidence to back it up but your story. Since wi-fi is a common thing worldwide and there is no verifiable evidence that it is harmful, how is the city at fault? They aren’t ignoring any warnings, data or recommendations. It’s a bit premature for a billion dollar conclusion.

One wonders, how can Ms. Barton go anywhere? Modern life is full of radiation of all kind. And yet, humans live longer than ever.

The “flag raised” about low-level radiation says nothing to answer this health concern right now. There seems no validation to rip out all modern conveniences on mere speculation from a very small number of people who are outspoken in their belief that wi-fi is making them sick.

A simple double-blind test would the a cheaper option than a court case. Will she submit to such a test?

Chip

August 21, 2012 at 6:20 PM

The Daubert Decision will certainly put a quick end to this frivolous lawsuit. Then the Town needs to counter sue. (There is case law dealing with lawsuits considered frivolous.) Or she can show the evidence that low levels of RF can cause infections and the mechanism by which that happens and claim her Nobel Prize.